Honda Silverwing Modifications

Tagg wrote:

I wonder if having the same bike this year has anything to do with U.S. emission requirements? But aren't the European standards stricter than the U.S? Either way, it effin sucks, 1 more year of waiting for improvements!

Let's say you did get the SW-T 600 in the US for 2012, even with improvements I'll bet within a few months of it going on sale there would be the inevitable fitting of HyperPro fork springs, Dr Pulley, and J Costa bits just to 'improve' it.

Meldrew wrote:

Let's say you did get the SW-T 600 in the US for 2012, even with improvements I'll bet within a few months of it going on sale there would be the inevitable fitting of HyperPro fork springs, Dr Pulley, and J Costa bits just to 'improve' it.

You say that like its a bad thing....

x

I think the point Victor sorry Meldrew is making is that; Honda state they have improved the machine when in fact the improvements are not in the right areas.

They haven't addressed the front suspension problem that obviously exists as so many folk seem to fit after market shocks to improve the ride. The next popular mod appears to me to be the seat. Surely Honda read these forums! If they did maybe they would/should address these short comings.

I'm happy with 'stock' but to us Brits it does seem an American passion to carry on improving what is to most, (Brits,) a pretty sound machine. Part of my happy with 'stock' goes; I spent over £6k on a machine, spending more £'s on what should be near perfection is a waste of my money, lots of other things to spend my hard earned upon. Also, my ride is for commuting, if it was for pleasure then maybe my view point may be different.

x

I think it's in the psyche of this Brit for sure, is that improving is not part of my culture. It seems the big wheelers do loads but for some unfathomable reason it isn't done with so much fervor on (bigger) scoots.

There is a big 'modding' culture amongst the youth with their 50 to 125 cc machines. The couple of super scooter owners I personally know can't be bothered. It's simply looked upon as a cheaper method of transport rather than a hobby.

I say cheaper with tongue in cheek. The servicing certainly isn't cheap not if you wish to keep the warranty.

bigbird wrote:

Meldrew wrote:

I'll bet within a few months of it going on sale there would be the inevitable fitting of HyperPro fork springs, Dr Pulley, and J Costa bits just to 'improve' it.

Of course. Just like these "improvements":

Meldrew front mudflap, fork protectors, leg wind deflectors, heated grips, Givi Airflow, mirror extenders, Givi E52/E55 top cases with back rests, T421 saddle bags. Dennis B sat nav mount, TomTom Rider/Glare Stomper, and Interphone F4

Let's see now, I only listed my "improvements" because it seems the thing to do on here. Anyway the heated grips, leg wind deflectors, and Givi rack were fitted by my Honda dealer before I took delivery. I added the Airflow because the stock screen is basically crap, my home made mudflap and a pair of fork protectors to keep salt corrosion and road crap at bay during the 'riding season' which for me is January to December annually. ( Are you still riding at the moment, or just talking pulley weights for the 6 next months ? ). Mirror extenders because they seemed like a good idea, the Givi stuff was originally on my Burgman apart from the E55, and the sat nav was gathering dust on a shelf until this year. The Interphone is for sat nav instructions, chat, and for Mrs M to tell me to stop browsing the porno mags when I go inside to pay for fuel in German and Dutch service stations.

Now what exactly am I missing out on, I don't need another exhaust system, my front forks are fine, and I don't give a toss about what gramme weights I'm running. I'm also yet to be convinced that adding Dr Pulley and J. Costa bits are anything more than a placebo or an ego thing.

At least my "improvements" are fit and forget, I'm not going to post a load of stuff about a mudflap that's 2 grammes lighter or heavier than the one I made, just because there's a performance mudflap available.

x

I don't do mods to any costly degree or add electrical stuff---like to keep it Honda's way so if underway breakdown.....might be able to get help in remote areas. Some mods I make---Fork slider protectors, home made front mudflap (been on several bikes) and as windshield stock as mentioned above is crap....I have tried Clearview(vented) and Givi Adjustable....have new idea for next SilverWing, my Givi box E46 can be bolted directly to rear "wing" saving buying rack---my box, once on never is taken off anyway. Might try MRA adjustable spoiler on existing Clearview Windshield, that is hanging on garage wall.

Performance mods=none for me. Want more performance, buy a motorcycle. Soft front suspension ok with me. Seat, fine. Driver back rest not needed if you are in shape.

I use NEP throttle stop, move as I change bikes, but may even try Vista Cruise next time @$25.

Too bad yellow isn't offered.

Meldrew wrote:

I'm also yet to be convinced that adding Dr Pulley and J. Costa bits are anything more than a placebo or an ego thing.

Swallowing Dr Pulley Sliders would be a placebo or maybe an ego thing.

There are numerous accounts of what the Dr Pulley Sliders results (when used properly) ... you can either choose to believe their results or not. You will ultimately have to convince yourself if the Dr Pulley Slider would be beneficial for you or not.

x

I actually looked it up and a 'breakaway throttle' is just a poncier version of the 'Go Cruise' cruise control I have. I'm quite happy to annoy you because the Silver Wing is a fine scooter as it comes out of the showroom. I recall an earlier post from you saying you only ride for a couple of hours at a time, yet you are forever going on about with variator weights etc, and wanting more performance and for what end going nowhere a little bit faster.

I'm happy to ride mine at home or abroad, solo or with a passenger, I have enough performance to ride at 80-90 mph on German autobahns, and handle the steepest and twistiest Lakeland Passes here at home.

You're right, I don't understand why I can get along happily without all the bits you and others feel necessary to fit. If the Silver Wing is just acceptable, why buy one in the first place and then throw money at it, ride something else.

I thought the point of this thread was the announcement of the new 2012 Silverwing. We seem to have some thread drift here.

Perhaps the discussion of acceptable modifications could be moved to a separate thread???

Chris

So what if the 2012 Swing is the same old bike with the same shortcomings that we're already used to -- at least it's still in the lineup.

I do wish we could have at least more than one color choice. I like my red 2009 just fine though. Yeah, I've made modifications and will likely make more. I've done it to every bike I've ever owned. It's all part of the fun, in my mind.

x

x

bigbird wrote:

The black colour looks awesome, even without mods. Imagine how much better it would look with some Dr. Pulley sliders, HyperPro springs, and a Shorai battery?

And carbon fiber wheels, and slicks, and racing stripes HELL YEA!

It's curious in some ways that 'we' await the arrival of a new or revised scooter with eager anticipation, usually having no intention of buying one, yet happily go out and buy one which may be nine years old, knowing that the chances are it will fit the bill very nicely.

Funny old world.

bigbird wrote:

The black colour looks awesome, even without mods. Imagine how much better it would look with some Dr. Pulley sliders, HyperPro springs, and a Shorai battery?

WOW... I am impressed with your humor Big... ... and it is cold outside .

BTW... I am thinking of adding the sliders to my stationary bike . And suggestions?

Would that be Dr Pulley sliders or frame sliders for when you tip over??